Matabeleland faces severe shortage of Headmaster?

Matabeleland is grappling with a critical shortage of school heads, with 173 vacancies needing urgent filling across both primary and secondary schools in the region - a reflection of Zimbabwe's ongoing education sector brain drain fuelled by low wages and poor working conditions.

The staffing gap was revealed in a call for applications issued last Friday by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, as detailed in a memorandum jointly signed by Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director Jabulani Mpofu and Public Service Provincial Co-ordinator I.M. Ndebele.

According to the circular, the province is in immediate need of 127 primary school heads and 46 secondary school heads. Applicants must submit their applications through their district school inspectors by June 20, along with certified identification, academic qualifications, and a curriculum vitae.

The education sector nationwide has seen growing attrition. Government figures show that 5,217 teachers left the profession in 2023 alone — with resignations accounting for 2,109 and retirements 2,866. However, teacher unions claim the actual figure is significantly higher, citing estimates of between 15,000 and 20,000 annual departures.

Despite this, the government insists it is addressing the situation. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said over 8,500 teachers were recruited last year, with ongoing efforts to improve teacher welfare. These include a 10% salary increment plus a US$300 monthly allowance, construction of 2,800 new classrooms in 2024, and expanded teacher housing initiatives.

"We've increased education funding by 137% since 2018 and boosted retention to 91% in 2023, up from 87% in 2020," said Ndoro. "The student-teacher ratio has improved from 42:1 in 2019 to 35:1. We are committed to constructive dialogue and evidence-based reforms to improve conditions for our educators."

However, teacher unions paint a different picture. Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said desertions were widespread and increasing.

"We are losing between 15,000 to 20,000 teachers per year. Many are leaving without formally retiring due to the toxic work environment and inadequate pay," Zhou said.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) echoed similar concerns. President Obert Masaraure revealed that more teachers were now seeking early retirement, with union offices overwhelmed by requests for guidance on how to exit the profession.

"Teachers are desperate. The profession has become thankless. We are currently handling up to 50 early retirement cases, and that's just within our membership," Masaraure said. "Unfortunately, government seems more interested in punishing dissent than resolving the root causes."

He urged authorities to open genuine dialogue with educators and offer meaningful monetary and non-monetary incentives.

With schools across Matabeleland forced to operate without permanent leadership and qualified staff, stakeholders fear that without swift intervention, the quality of education — especially in rural and underserved areas — will continue to deteriorate, leaving thousands of learners at risk.